I read this a while back but it also just appeared on Convenience Store News.

Wonder if this Texaco station is TRYING to get attention (taking the old Walgreens philosophy) or if the guy truly doesnt know what is going on in the market and wants to be the highest price of gas in the nation.

anyway...

Read on....

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Pump Prices Soar in San Diego

MARCH 14, 2003 -- SAN DIEGO -- With Californians paying the highest gasoline prices in the nation, one El Cajon, Calif. station caused a stir today by charging $3.19 a gallon for regular self-serve unleaded.

The Texaco station posted its sign yesterday advertising gas for $3.19 a gallon for regular unleaded, $3.79 for "Power Plus," and $4.29 for "Power Premium."

A station manager told the San Diego Union Tribune he didn't know why the price was raised to a level more than $1 a gallon higher than the station across the street. "They just told us to change the prices," he said, without identifying who made the request. "I just work here."

He said the station had plenty of gasoline on hand and that he saw no reason for the spike. At least one driver reportedly filled up without noticing the price, and was angry when $60 didn't fill his truck, the report said.

On average, San Diego motorists are paying $2.12 a gallon for self-serve unleaded regular gasoline, topping the record set last week at $2.04, according to the Lundberg Survey. In Southern California, the average is $2.085 a gallon, up 36 cents from a month ago.

Carol Thorp of the California Auto Club blamed war jitters and price speculation by investors for pushing retail prices to previously unseen levels around the region. "California gas prices are the highest in the nation," Thorp said yesterday. "Motorists should avoid panic buying of gasoline or the formation of gas lines in the event of a war with Iraq."

Those actions could create temporary local shortages when there is no real shortage, she said. The Auto Club suggested consumers shop aggressively for the best available gasoline prices and find ways of reducing gasoline consumption through such measures as carpooling and combining errands.

In Los Angeles, the price of regular self serve is $2.08. San Francisco drivers are now paying an average of $2.14.

stinkfinger

03-16-2003, 09:33 PM

Mmmmmm gasoline, my favorite beverage.

RunWithDaLilGuy

03-17-2003, 03:31 AM

i know that some distributors in michigan charged gas taxes (i think it was 3cents per case) when it got to be about 1.90-2.00 a gallon. these were beer distributors.

sodasommelier

03-17-2003, 10:42 PM

Hmmmph, beer distributors!! Hey wait a minute... are we supporting these replusive entities when we purchase our beloved brews? How much does it cost to get a beer/wine distribution license... ?

You know what? The gas cost is a pain but really it's a minor thing compared to the other stuff. I think you can impress the clientele by not sticking the gas cost to them; rather by asking that they let you deliver faster so you can cram more into the vehicle and not pass on the costs to them...